Athlete Journal: Charles Staley, Entry 53 - Sore But Not Sorry

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ever wonder how a world-class coach actually trains? Wonder what it's like to train as a "mature athlete?" Welcome to the athlete journal of Charles Staley. A big believer in practicing what he preaches, Charles trains and competes just like his clients. Every Friday you can read what Charles has done this week in his workout sessions.

Very solid and gratifying week. Hit an easy 355lb low bar squat, a 475lb pull after a ton of squats, and lots of hard upper-body work. I’ve probably experienced more soreness this week than I have felt in quite some time.

Monday, July 22, 2013, 10:30 AM

Bodyweight: 198.2 lbs

I made what might be an important epiphany on my low bar squat today. My first attempt at wedging under the empty bar hurt like hell (on my right shoulder), so I decided I was going to need to switch to high bar squats today. However, for whatever reason, I tried another set and this time, I had almost no pain. I ultimately ended up hitting an easy 355lbs, in fact. So it seems as though it might just be a matter of letting my shoulder warm-up/stretch out a bit more than what I’m used to doing. Time will tell, but I’m feeling encouraged.

SQUAT

Set 1: 45 lbs × 5

Set 2: 45 lbs × 5

Set 3: 95 lbs × 3

Set 4: 135 lbs × 3

Set 5: 225 lbs × 1

Set 6: 275 lbs × 1

Set 7: 315 lbs × 1

Set 8: 355 lbs × 1 (Video Below)

1.5" DEFICIT DEADLIFT

Set 1: 225 lbs × 3

Set 2: 225 lbs × 3

Set 3: 315 lbs × 2

Set 4: 365 lbs × 2

Set 5: 405 lbs × 2 (Video Below)

Notes: Easy! Totally surprised me after struggling with 405lbs from the floor only a few days ago.